41 32 031 Replace The A-Pillar On The Outside Left In The Area Of The Windscreen

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Read contents of BODY, GENERAL .

Remove or cover those vehicle components in the repair area which are susceptible to heat or dust.

Use only approved SPOT-WELDING APPARATUS for repairs.

IMPORTANT: Operations on pyrotechnical devices may only be carried out by authorized experts.
Improper, unauthorized operations may result in serious dangers.
Unauthorized persons are strictly prohibited from performing any operations on this system.

WARNING: Read and comply with SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS for handling airbag modules and pyrotechnical belt tensioners.
Incorrect handling can activate airbag and cause injury.
A damaged head airbag must be replaced.
A damaged head airbag exhibits an impaired protective function and in extreme cases loses its protective function altogether.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Disconnect NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE .

Remove TRIM PANEL FOR ROOF PILLAR .

The following new body parts are required:

(1) A-pillar, outer

Fig 1: Identifying A-Pillar With Entrance
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Removing the A-pillar in the area of the windscreen

IMPORTANT: For the exact procedure to perform the next operation, refer to repair instructions for removing and installing head airbag. See REMOVING/INSTALLING/REPLACING HEAD AIRBAG or REMOVING/INSTALLING/REPLACING HEAD AIRBAG (VERSION WITH PANORAMA GLASS ROOF) .
Loosen airbag at attachment point (1).

Fig 2: Identifying Airbag Attachment Point

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage.
Airbag must not be kinked or bent.

NOTE: Use protective sleeve (1) to protect the airbag.
Check protective sleeve for damage prior to use.
A damaged protective sleeve must not be used.

(2) Velcro fastener
(3) Loop
- BMW order number, protective sleeve: 81 47 2 159 578

Push the protective sleeve (1) onto the airbag up to just below the roofliner so that the airbag is completely covered.

Fasten protective sleeve with Velcro fastener (2).

Secure protective sleeve with airbag against kinking.

Fig 4: Identifying Protective Sleeve And Velcro Fastener

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Mark severance cuts in accordance with specified dimensions and cut.

IMPORTANT: Cut outer panel only for following severance cuts.
Dimensions a = approx. 150 mm from roof edge.
Dimension "b" = approx. 380 mm below severance cut a.
Open welded connections in areas (1).
Release and remove partial section of A-pillar from cavity sealing (2).

Fig 5: Identifying Cutting Dimensions, Welded Connections, And Cavity Sealing

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

New part preparation

Mark severance cuts on new parts in accordance with vehicle and cut.

Prepare REINFORCEMENT PLATES at severance cuts.

Installing the A-pillar in the area of the windscreen

Apply sealing compound to CAVITY ACOUSTIC BAFFLE .

Install and weld new parts and reinforcement plates.

After completing welding work:

Check airbag in area of protective sleeve for damage and replace if necessary. See REMOVING/INSTALLING/REPLACING HEAD AIRBAG or REMOVING/INSTALLING/REPLACING HEAD AIRBAG (VERSION WITH PANORAMA GLASS ROOF) .